Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Seto's Wish Alternate World Conclusion ❯ C61 Breakfast and Shopping ( Chapter 61 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

C61 Breakfast and Shopping

Kaiba did not open his eyes but was instantly awake as he heard the door to his room open and whispers from the doorway. He realized that father was finally home, and mother decided to show him that there was indeed two Seto's and Mokuba's.

“I can't believe it.” his father's voice whispered.

“Come on.” she whispered back. “We don't want to wake them.”

As the door opened, his eyes opened.....neither obviously realized exactly what a light sleeper he was. He then looked down at Mokuba, who he was protectively wrapped around. This entire situation seemed to so strange to him. In this place he felt safe, and feeling safe was not something he was accustomed to. It make him hunger for something he knew he couldn't have.....made him unrealistically wonder what it would be like if they stayed here and lived with their duplicates.

But, such an idea could never come to be.....and he knew it. Seto was jealous enough with him as it was, and they could never work together. Trying to explain to authorities why there were two of them would also be near impossible. And the strongest point of all of them is that he feared how Mokuba would react if he made such a decision. He feared Mokuba might think he was favoring them over him, which wasn't true. But, it was true that such an idea was his own selfishness. This fantasy wasn't for Mokuba's sake at all.....but his own. After being here, he knew he was going to miss his parents and this adopted sister that barely acknowledge him in his world.

.......and the last time he dreamed of a world with his parents was when this whole mess started. And he wasn't going to repeat his mistakes.

So, he buried his dreams, as he always did, and forced himself back to sleep. He had to settle for cherishing the moments he had now before going back, and accept it.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Kaiba woke up again early in the morning.....around 6 am. He knew he was probably the first one up as well, since he had the habit of getting up this early for work at Kaiba Corp.

Knowing he wouldn't be able to get anymore sleep, he gently pulled himself from bed, keeping himself from waking Mokuba. He then covered him back over, took his clothes, and headed to the bathroom.

Once Kaiba was showered and ready for the day, he went down to the kitchen, starting up a pot of coffee.

By the time the next person was up, Kaiba was found sitting at the table fully dressed and casually reading the paper with some toast and his second cup of black coffee.

“Well, good morning.” the father said sleepily, as he moved into the kitchen. “I didn't expect you to be up and around so soon. Since when do you drink coffee?”

As Kaiba turned to face the father, he could see the look in his eyes change, realizing. “Oh......so, you must be that other one.”

The Dad nervously laughed, saying, “I have to admit, this is kinda strange after going from having 2 kids to 5. Not to say that's a problem or anything, it's just.....”

“We're not staying.” Kaiba replied.

The father hesitated. “Right.....because you don't belong here. I heard about that, too.” Changing the uncomfortable subject, the father approached the pot, saying, “So....do you have any left for me?”

Kaiba shrugged, saying, “Help yourself.”

As the Dad went over to pour himself some coffee, Kaiba studied him. Even as a child, he had trouble remembering him fully and took this opportunity to absorb every detail. Like now, his father worked all the time, and because of which he rarely saw him. But, he didn't blame his father for it.....he understood more than anyone. Sometimes things like that couldn't be helped. It was the responsibility of the man to provide money for the family to survive off of. He could only imagine his father's added worries if he could afford the additions to his household.

Taking a sip of his coffee, Kaiba said to him, “Has mother told you that Seto is now in a partnership with a business of his own?”

“Yes.....she said something about that.” he answered, putting toast into the toaster.

“With that job, Seto should be able to help with the money for this household. He's the oldest and has promised to help with the responsibility to make sure Mokuba is provided for.” Kaiba explained.

The father turned towards him, not expecting him to sound so serious.

Kaiba looked right into his eyes, adding with a sternness in his voice. “He's not a child anymore.....he's an adult. Don't let him get away with anything. It's about time that he grows up.”

The father gave a weak chuckle, saying, “I'm afraid you're talking to the wrong parent, son. I'm afraid I'm not around enough to be the one to keep on top of him.”

“You don't need to be on top of him.” Kaiba explained. “Just talk to him, and let him understand the rules....make sure mother agrees.” Kaiba had a feeling this might have been part of the reason Seto had turned into the way he did. Without a father figure around, he grew up probably being coddled by his mother all the time. And he had a feeling if he said this to his mother, she would disagree since he was probably still her `baby' in her eyes......women.

The father sat down, with his toast and coffee, taking a section from the newspaper. “So.....I hear you run some big business in your world. I also hear that the reason Seto has this business is because you set it up. Are you sure Seto can handle it?”

“I did the hard part of setting his business up. All he has to do is be there and help run it. He has a partner as well.....he's not in it alone. Even he should be able to do that much.” Kaiba replied.

After a long moment of silence, the Dad then added. “You two are supposed to be the same, basically....right? Do you think Seto will ever end up like you?”

`I hope not.' Kaiba thought. “I'm sure there will be differences, since we didn't grow up the same way.”

“Right.” the Dad answered. “But, I mean......well, never mind.”

“I think he'll learn responsibility and what it's like to be man soon enough.” Kaiba said, guessing what the father was trying to say. “We all do, eventually.....some just learn earlier than others.”

The father continued to avoid looking at him, as he took another sip. “Um....your Mom told me about what happened in your world. I guess you lost us pretty young.”

Kaiba was trying to not to flinch, desperately hoping this wasn't going to be another `I'm sorry' speech. He didn't know if he could take another one.....especially not from his father.

“So.....I don't know if I ever told you this in your world, or if you'd remember being as young as you were. But, I just want you to know that.....I'm proud of you. You did what you had to do, and took care of what's important. Despite what you went through, it looks like you two made it through okay.” he said.

Kaiba paused then looked over at him in surprise. After a moment, the father finally turned his way, offering a slight smile. “So.....is there anything you needed to ask or say to me, that maybe you didn't have a chance to?”

Kaiba blinked, absorbing the question as he wondered that himself now that the offer was so generously placed on the table. After a moment, he finally shook his head. “No....none that I can think of.”

“Well, good.” he said, and turned back to his paper.

After that, the two ate breakfast in silence. Kaiba had to admit, it seemed a lot of his habits came from the father, even the small fact that they both seemed to comfortably enjoy silence over senseless chatter. There was nothing awkward about them not talking to each other as they ate.....just having each other's presence here was good enough for them both.

After a moment, the father looked over and smiled towards the doorway, saying, “Well, hello there.”

Kaiba turned to see one of the Mokuba's shyly peeking into the doorway. Once he was addressed, he quietly moved into the kitchen and clung to Kaiba.

“Is he yours?” the father asked.

Kaiba shook his head. “No.....this one's your official new son.” he answered.

“He's awfully shy.” the Dad said.

Kaiba nodded, “He's going to be for a while. He'll come around.” Kaiba then got up and immediately began to get some cereal out. He placed the bowl in front of Mokie, pouring the cereal, then the milk and finally putting a spoon down. Mokie watched in fascination as Kaiba did this.

He then finally picked Mokie up, plopping him in the chair that Kaiba originally sat in. “Eat up.” he ordered and walked to get yet a third cup a coffee.

Mokie gave him a smile then began to eat.

“You seem to know what he likes.” the father stated.

Kaiba answered, “He's not mine, but I guessed they'd have the same interests.”

“You shouldn't assume. After all, I know my Seto doesn't like coffee.” the Dad said.

Kaiba smirked. “Once he starts working at his own business for awhile, I guarantee he will.”

After that, it wasn't long before the rest of the family started to come down. The mother offered a chipper good morning, while Seto came in spouting about Kaiba trying to take his brother away because they were in the kitchen together.

Thankful that he could avoid this mess, the father got up, saying, “Well, I have to go to work, now. I'll be seeing you guys later.....you listen to your mother, now.”

“Yes, Dad.....” Seto muttered, as the Dad witnessed the mother getting his breakfast for him, and Kaiba glaring at him in disgust for sitting on his fool ass, instead of getting it for himself.

`He's right.' the father said, after Kaiba helped open his eyes for him. `It's time he started to do his part. I'll talk to him this weekend when I'm off.' The Dad then put on his coat and was out the door.

“Good morning!” Angie chimed waltzing into the room. “I'm up now, so everyone can start with their lives.”

Seto groaned and rolled his eyes and Mokie gave a chuckle.

“Hey!” Angie suddenly spat. “You took my bowl! You know you're not supposed to take that, that's my bowl!”

“Hey, I didn't get it.....Mom got it for me.” Seto said, offering a childish smirk.

“Mom!!” she whined.

“Honey, a bowl is a bowl. Do you want some cereal?” she asked, getting up to take care of her, next.

“No, I can actually get my own, unlike some people!” Angie said, sticking her tongue out at him.

Seto leaned back, stretching and said, “Hey, it's the woman's job to take care of things.” getting a glare from the mother saying that, as well as from Kaiba.....but didn't seem to notice, or tried to ignore it.

“It is not! You are such a jerk, you know that?” she spat.

“Everyone has to do their part in a family.” Kaiba said. “If you're old enough to be a partner in a job, you're old enough to pay rent here, as well.”

Everyone turned and looked at Kaiba from the comment. Seto asked, “What??”

“You heard me. You now have a job, and it should be a good-paying one since you're a partial owner. And until you're out of the house with a family of you own, then this is your family and you have to help provide for them.” Kaiba told him.

“What are you, my Dad? Screw off.....I don't listen to you!” Seto spat.

Kaiba asked, “Do you have so little respect for your parents that you would not be willing to offer and help them? Your Dad works hard to pay for this household, and it's going to get more expensive with another mouth to feed. Would you not offer to help them, or your new brother?”

Seto stayed silent to that one, glancing at the Mom for a moment with a slight feeling of guilt.

The mother smiled, saying, “We can discuss this at a later time, maybe after the other two eventually go.”

“....can't wait for that.” Seto muttered, looking back down at his food.

The Mom then smiled at Kaiba, as he silently nodded to her and went back to his coffee.

Angie just laughed. “It's about time someone put you in your place.”

“Shut up.” Seto grumbled.

Another noise caused the others to look over at Mokuba in the doorway, rubbing his eyes. “Boy, you guys sure are loud in the morning.”

“I am not!!” Angie loudly yelled.

“Yeah, you are.....you could probably wake the neighbors with that mouth.” Seto joked.

“Mom!!!” Angie spat.

“Seto.....don't pick on your sister.” the mother said.

Seto retorted, “It's not my fault.....she started it!”

Kaiba smiled at his brother, muttering, “Sorry.....did you get enough sleep?”

“Yeah.” he said, scratching his messy hair, as he strolled into the room, muttering, “It's definitely not like our house....”

Kaiba got up and stopped him, checking his head. “You're doing better this morning, but should still take your medicine.”

Mokuba groaned. “But I hate the taste of that nasty stuff, I'm at least having breakfast first.”

The mother sprung up, ready to get breakfast for him, but Kaiba help out his hand, saying, “It's okay.....I got it.”

“Suck up.” Seto mumbled. “Ow!” he then suddenly spat, looking over at Mokuba in surprise. “You kicked me, again!”

“Don't call my brother a suck-up! He always does this at home!” Mokuba retorted angrily for him daring to try and insult his brother.

Angie giggled and stuck out her tongue. “Yeah!”

“You shut up, you're not even involved!” Seto snapped.

“Seto.....that's enough.” the mother said, sitting back down as Kaiba had gotten up, prepping Mokuba's breakfast, now.

“What about her? She started it!” Seto said.

Kaiba fought the urge to roll his eyes, trying to ignore the chaos as Mokie giggled over the whole scene before him.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Breakfast was finally over, and they ended up moving into the living room for the time being. Seto was talking to Mokie about their family and the household to get him more acquainted, and Angie was fighting with Mokuba to take his medicine, who was still fighting against it. Kaiba had considered ordering Mokuba to do so, since Mokuba would know not to fight with him, but he decided to let it slide for the moment and let Mokuba have his fun for the moment.

As this was happening, the mother turned to Kaiba, asking, “Seto....did you find out when this interview ad takes place?”

“Yes.” Kaiba answered. “The reporters will be over at the Dance-athon at one o'clock.”

“One o'clock?” the mother asked back in delight. “Well, that's good. It's so early right now, I was wondering if you wanted to come with me and Angie to get some more clothes for Mokuba.”

Seto quieted and turned her way, hearing that. Angie also turned, looking excited as she asked, “Shopping? Can I get something, too? There's a shirt I really gotta get!”

“Of course you can.” the mother said. “I wanted to get more for Mokuba the other day, but I wasn't certain on his size since he wasn't with me. That's why I wanted to go back out today. So.....will you be coming?”

Kaiba shrugged, “I suppose.....as long as we're back by twelve thirty.”

“But, why are you asking Kaiba to come with you?” Seto asked, jealous.

The mother replied, “Because he seems to have more of an interest in clothes.”

Kaiba smirked at the response.

Seto pouted, “How come you didn't ask me?” making his sister snicker.

The mother rolled her eyes. “Seto, I have asked you dozens of times to come shopping with me, and you've always told me you hated it. Why should I ask you now? Besides, I'm not buying anymore of your ripped up shirts. If you have a business to run, you have to think about dressing a little better.”

“But, it's a Dance-athon!!” Seto spat. “You're supposed to look hip!”

“What the hell are you talking about?” Kaiba asked. “You look like a bum off the streets.”

“I do not! That's the look!” Seto protested.

Angie replied, “That's a look, all right.....a crappy look. Mom's right.....you're going to need new clothes.”

“Maybe he should go with you.” Kaiba said.

“No way! I don't want any clothes.....I like what I got!” Seto spat.

“See?” the mother said, knowing he didn't really want to shop for clothes. “Now, stay home and take care of Mokuba. You're father picked up some more Tylenol last night for him, so after he takes his medicine just follow the directions on the back stating when to give it to him next.”

“But, I don't want to sit home doing nothing all day! That's boring!!” Seto pouted some more.

Kaiba glared at him and snapped, “Instead of sitting on your ass, you should tear apart one of the duel disk and see if you have enough brain capacity to put it back together and get it working.”

“Language, Seto.” the mother reminded him.

“But, how can I do that and watch Mokuba?” Seto asked.

“Mokuba will be sleeping.” Kaiba emphasized to his little brother, who grinned perhaps too innocently in response to it. “So as long as you remember his medicine and stay out of sight, there shouldn't be anymore problems.”

Seto grumbled, but didn't say anything else. The only thing he didn't like was Kaiba spending time with his mother, out of jealousy. But, in all honestly, he didn't want to go....hating the idea of clothes shopping. Plus, the suggestion Kaiba had he actually liked. He was interested in trying to take it apart and see what made it work so incredibly. Of course, he'd never tell Kaiba that he was in agreement of his idea. So, all he could do left is grumble to himself.

“Good. Then, it's settled. Let's get going.” she said, wanting to leave early enough so there would be no problem getting back in time.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x

The mother pulled out a shirt, showing it to Kaiba. “What about this shirt, Seto? Doesn't it look nice?”

Kaiba gave a slight smile, saying, “I don't think I'm going to find my taste in clothes, here. I'm rather particular in what I get myself.”

“Oh.” she said. “Those are some nice clothes....where did you get them?”

“All different places.” Kaiba replied.

“Well, tell me.” she said in interest, causing the sister to glance from her own browsing to listen.

Kaiba gave a sigh, answering, “The coat is specially made by Versace, the pants are Seraphin, the shirt's made by Armani, and the boots are Gucci.”

“Gucci??” the Mother asked, knowing that name, and just how expensive that brand was. “Wow....and that shirt's from Armani? I don't think I even know those other brands.”

“Trust me....they're expensive brands.” Kaiba replied.

“Right.” she said. “You did say you run quite a wealthy business. I guess you can afford rich clothes.”

“I'm in the public eye a lot in my world.” Kaiba said. “It's important when you're in my field that your image is perfect.....it means a lot.”

“So, you wear what you have on because you like them or because you have to?” she asked.

“I have clothes that I wear out of necessity, and other out of preference. The ones I'm wearing now are what I prefer to wear. The business suits I have are necessity.” Kaiba explained.

“I see.” the mother said with a smile, but Kaiba had a feeling that the smile was a fake one. He felt bad deflating her hopes.

So, he added, “That doesn't mean I can't help you find something for that bum you call a son, or help you with Mokuba.”

“He's not a bum.” the mother chided.

“Yes he is.....you spoil him too much.” Kaiba said to her. “He's eighteen, now....he needs to grow up.”

“Seto.” the mother said, touching his arm. “You have been Mokuba's mother and father, and I feel you have done a wonderful job with him. But, don't me how to raise my kids.”

Kaiba gave a smirk, stating, “And you say I get my stubbornness from the father.....”

She smirked back for a moment mirroring Kaiba's own smirk, before turning away and looking over clothes. “Well, do you think this shirt would look good on Seto, then?”

“Anything's an improvement.” Kaiba muttered. But, he then glanced over the clothes, and went to a different shirt rack, pulling out another shirt. “Actually, I think this would better suit him. He had a point, after all. This place he is running brings in a lot of the teenage crowd in and doesn't want to look `too business-like'.”

“Oooh, that's sharp!” Angie said, looking at the shirt Kaiba picked. “Yeah, I like that.”

“Well, let's pick some more clothes.” the other said.

After a while, they were finally heading home.